Isocyanate-coupled reinforced oxymethylene polymers

ABSTRACT

An improved molding composition is provided comprised of an oxymethylene polymer, a blocked or unblocked isocyanate compound in an amount ranging from about 0.2 to 2.0 percent by weight based on the weight of the polymer, a filler and an isocyanate-active catalyst. Shaped articles can be produced from the composition which exhibit desirable mechanical properties without the need for fibrous reinforcing agents.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is related to application Ser. No. 519,178, filed Aug. 1, 1983, of Gina R. Kritchevsky entitled "Isocyanate-Coupled Reinforced Oxymethylene Polymers Using Improved Catalyst System."

BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention is directed to reinforced oxymethylene polymer molding compositions.

Oxymethylene polymer molding compositions have been employed for many years. In order to enhance various physical properties of such compositions, various fillers have been employed. However, oxymethylene polymer compositions, in contrast to other types of molding compositions based on nylon or polybutylene terephthalate, have been found to generally be incompatible with added filler materials in that the fillers tend to migrate to the surface of the composition during the molding process. Such stratification of the filler is very undesirable since the physical properties of the resulting molded article are not uniform. It is therefore desirable to provide an oxymethylene molding composition which comprises an added filler material but which can be melt processed while avoiding the above-noted problems.

It is also known to employ a reinforcing fiber in an oxymethylene molding composition. See, for example, commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. No. 3,455,867, herein incorporated by reference. However, the presence of a reinforcing fiber in a molding composition, while generally enabling desirable results to be achieved, can result in a shaped article produced therefrom becoming warped due to the fact that such reinforcing agents are highly elongated in form. However, the substitution of a particulate filler for a reinforcing fiber, while desirable for the reasons noted above, can also result in the formation of a shaped article of decreased mechanical properties since the fibrous reinforcing agent inherently provides greater reinforcement than does a particulate filler. It is thus also desirable to provide an oxymethylene molding composition which comprises an added filler and which enables a shaped article to be produced therefrom of desirable mechanical properties and enables lessened amounts of fibrous reinforcing agents to be employed.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved oxymethylene molding composition which employs a filler.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide an improved oxymethylene molding composition from which a shaped article of desirable mechanical properties may be produced and which includes a filler.

It is further an object of the present invention to provide an oxymethylene molding composition from which a shaped article may be produced which exhibits desirable mechanical properties without the need for large amounts of fibrous reinforcing agents.

In accordance with the present invention, there is thus provided a molding composition comprised of an oxymethylene polymer having at least 60 percent of recurring oxymethylene units, a blocked or unblocked isocyanate compound in an amount ranging from about 0.2 to 2.0 percent by weight based on the weight of the polymer, a filler and an isocyanate-active catalyst.

In accordance with the present invention, there are also provided shaped articles produced from the above composition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Oxymethylene polymers having recurring--CH₂ O--units are well known. They may be prepared by polymerizing a source of oxymethylene units, such as anhydrous formaldehyde or trioxane, a cyclic trimer of formaldehyde. High molecular weight solid polyoxymethylenes have been prepared by polymerizing trioxane in the presence of cationic polymerization catalysts, including such compounds as boron trifluoride, antimony trifluoride, antimony fluoroborate, bismuth trifluoride, bismuth oxyfluoride, nickelous fluoride, aluminum trifluoride, titanium tetrafluoride, manganous fluoride, manganic fluoride, mercuric fluoride, silver fluoride, zinc fluoride, ammonium bifluoride, phosphorus pentafluoride, hydrogen fluoride, thinoyl chloride, fluorosulfonic acid, phosphorous trichloride, titanium tetrachloride, ferric chloride, zirconium tetrachloride, aluminum trichloride, stannic chloride, stannous chloride and the alkane sulfonic acids, e.g., ethane sulfonic acid and methane sulfonic acid.

The preferred catalysts are boron fluoride and the boron fluoride complexes with water (such as boron fluoride monohydrate, boron-fluoride dihydrate, and boron fluoride trihydrate), and boron fluoride coordinate complexes with organic compounds, particularly those in which oxygen or sulfur is the donor atom. The coordinate complex of boron fluoride may, for example, be a complex with an alcohol, a phenol, an acid, an ether, an acid anhydride, an ester, a ketone, an aldehyde, a dialkyl sulfide or a mercaptan. Boron fluoride etherate, the coordinate complex of boron fluoride with diethyl ether, is the preferred coordinate complex. The boron fluoride complexes with phenol and with acetic acid are also very effective. Other specific boron fluoride complexes, for example, are the complexes with ethanol, methanol, propanol, butanol, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, phenyl acetate, benzoic acid, acetic anhydride, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, dimethyl ether, methyl phenyl ether, acetaldehyde, chloral, dimethyl sulfate, and ethyl mercaptan.

Suitable catalysts are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,989,505; 2,989,506; 2,989,507; 2,989,508; and 2,989,509, all of Donald E. Hudgin and Frank M. Berardinelli; 2,989,510 of Georgee J. Bruni; 2,989,511 of Arthur W. Schnizer, and in the article by Kern et al in Angewandte Chemie 73, pp 176-186 (Mar. 21, 1961), all herein incorporated by reference.

Oxymethylene polymers of improved thermal stability may be prepared by introducing into the polymer chains, or attaching to the ends of the polymer chains, structures which are resistant to thermal detachment. The polymers may include interspersed oxyalkylene units with adjacent carbon atoms and preferably oxyethylene units as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,027,352 of Walling et al. Copolymers of this type may comprise (--CH₂ O--) units (usually at least 85 mole percent) interspersed with (--OR--) units wherein R is a divalent radical containing at least two carbon atoms directly linked to each other and positioned in the chain between the two valences, with any substituent in the R radical being inert. Suitable substituents include but are not limited to hydrogen, lower alkyl and halogen-substituted lower alkyl and mixtures thereof.

Specific interspersed monomeric units which may be incorporated are those derived from lactones, carbonates, cyclic acid anhydrides or ethylenically-unsaturated compounds, such as styrene, divinyl ether, vinyl acetate, vinyl methyl ketone or acrolein, as disclosed in the aforementioned article by Kern et al. The polymer may be end-capped as, for example, by acylation or etherification after polymerization or during polymerization by the use of selected chain transfer agents.

Oxymethylene copolymers and terpolymers with such oxacylic or oxo-functional compounds, as cyclic ethers having at least two cyclic ether rings, dialdehydes and diketones, have also been prepared, as described in, e.g., French Pat. No. 1,345,218.

As used in the specification and claims, the term "oxymethylene polymers" denotes homopolymers and copolymers (including terpolymers, etc.) having at least 60 percent recurring oxymethylene units, and further includes substituted oxymethylene polymers, wherein the substituents are inert; i.e., do not participate in undesirable side reactions.

A preferred group of polymers intended to be utilized in accordance with this invention are oxymethylene-cyclic ether copolymers having a structure comprising recurring units having the formula ##STR1## wherein n is an integer from zero to 5 wherein n is zero in from 60 to 99.6 (e.g., 85 to 99.6) percent of the recurring units.

Suitable oxymethylene copolymers have repeating units which consist essentially of P(a) --OCH₂ --groups interspersed with (b) groups represented by the general formula: ##STR2## wherein each R₁ and R₂ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, lower alkyl and halogen-substituted lower alkyl radicals, each R₃ is selected from the group consisting of methylene, oxymethylene, lower alkyl and haloalkyl-substituted methylene, and lower alkyl and haloalkyl-substituted oxymethylene radicals, and n is an integer from zero to 3 inclusive.

A preferred class of copolymers are those having a structure comprising recurring units having the formula (--O--CH₂ --(CH₂)_(n) --) wherein n is an integer from zero to 2 and wherein n is zero in from 60 to 99.6 percent of the recurring units. These copolymers are prepared by copolymerizing trioxane with a cyclic ether having the structure ##STR3## where n is an integer from zero to two.

Among the specific cyclic ethers which may be used are ethylene oxide, 1,3-dioxolane, 1,3,5-trioxepane, 1,3-dioxane, trimethylene oxide, pentamethylene oxide, 1,2-propylene oxide, 1,2-butylene oxide, neopentyl formal, pentaerythritol diformal, paraldehyde, tetrahydrofuran, and butadiene monoxide.

The preferred catalysts used in the preparation of the desired copolymers are the boron fluoride coordinate complexes with organic compounds in which oxygen or sulfur is the donor atom. The coordination complexes of boron fluoride may, for example, be a complex with a phenol, an ether, an ester, or a dialkyl sulfide. Boron fluoride dibutyl etherate, the coordination complex of boron fluoride with dibutyl ether, is the preferred coordination complex. The boron fluoride complex with diethyl ether is also very effective. Other boron fluoride complexes which may be used are the complexes with methyl acetate, with ethyl acetate, with phenyl acetate, with dimethyl ether, with methylphenyl ether and with dimethyl sulfide.

The coordination complex of boron fluoride should be present in the polymerization zone in amounts such that its boron fluoride content is between about 0.0001 and about 1.0 percent by weight based on the weight of the monomers in the polymerization zone. Preferably, amounts between about 0.003 and about 0.03 percent by weight should be used in a continuous process.

The preferred catalyst used in preparing the oxymethylene copolymer is the aforementioned boron trifluoride as discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,027,352 issued to Walling et al, herein incorporated by reference. Reference may be made to this patent for further information concerning the polymerization conditions, amount of catalyst employed, etc.

The monomers in the reaction zone are preferably anhydrous or substantially anhydrous. Small amounts of moisture, such as may be present in commercial grade reactants or which may be introduced by contact with atmospheric air, will not prevent polymerization but should be essentially removed for optimum yields.

In a specific embodiment of this invention, the trioxane, cyclic ether and catalyst are dissolved in a common anhydrous solvent, such as cyclohexane and permitted to react in a sealed reaction zone. The temperature in the reaction zone may vary from about 0° C. to about 100° C. The period of reaction may vary from about 5 minutes to about 72 hours. Pressures from subatmospheric to about 100 atmospheres or greater may be used, although atmospheric pressure is preferred.

It has been found that the relatively minor amounts of the cyclic ether other than trioxane used in the copolymerization reaction generally disappear completely from the reaction mixture. The required ratio of trioxane to cyclic ether in the reaction mixture may therefore be roughly predetermined for a desired mole ratio in the polymer by assuming that all of the cyclic ether is used up and by assuming a particular conversion level from previous experience under substantially comparable conditions.

The chemical constitution of the cyclic ether must also be considered. Thus, 1,3-dioxolane contains both an oxymethylene group and a oxyethylene group. The incorporation thereof into the copolymer molecule introduces oxyethylene groups into the polymer molecule.

In general, the cyclic ether is present in the reaction mixture in the amounts between about 0.2 and about 30 mole percent, based on the total moles of monomer. The optimum proportion will depend on the particular copolymer desired, the expected degree of conversion and the chemical constitution of the cyclic ether used.

The copolymer produced from the preferred cyclic ethers in accordance with this invention have a structure substantially comprised of oxymethylene and oxyethylene groups in a ratio from about 1000:1 to about 6:1, preferably 250:1 to 1.5:1.

Upon completion of the polymerization reaction, it is desirable to neutralize the activity of the polymerization catalyst since prolonged contact with the catalyst degrades the polymer. The polymerization product may be treated with an aliphatic amine, such as tri-n-butyl-amine, in stoichiometric excess over the amount of free catalyst in the reaction product, and preferably in an organic wash liquid which is a solvent for unreacted trioxane. Or, if desired, the reaction product may be washed with water which neutralizes catalyst activity. A detailed description of the methods of neutralizing catalyst activity may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 2,989,509 of Hudgin et al. A preferred oxymethylene copolymer is commercially available from the Celanese Corporation under the designation Celcon^(R) acetal copolymer.

The oxymethylene copolymers that are preferred for use in the present invention are thermoplastic materials having a melting point of at least 150° C., and normally are millable or processable at a temperature of about 200° C. They have a number average molecular weight of at least 10,000. The preferred oxymethylene polymers have an inherent viscosity of at least 1.0 (measured at 60° C. in a 0.1 weight percent solution in p-chlorophenol containing 2 weight percent of alpha-pinene).

The oxymethylene copolymer component preferably is an oxymethylene copolymer that has been preliminarily stabilized to a substantial degree. Such stabilizing technique may take the form of stabilization by degradation of the molecular ends of the polymer chain to a point where a relatively stable carbon-to-carbon linkage exists at each end. For example, such degradation may be effected by hydrolysis as disclosed in commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. No. 3,219,623 issued to Berardinelli, herein incorporated by reference.

If desired, the oxymethylene copolymer may be end-capped by techniques known to those skilled in the art. A preferred end-capping technique is accomplished by acetylation with acetic anhydride in the presence of sodium acetate catalyst.

During the molding process, oxymethylene polymers are generally heated to temperatures between about 180° and 220° C. for relatively short periods of time such as between about 3 and about 10 minutes. Unless the thermal degradation rate of the polymer has been reduced to a desirably low level, it has been found that molded products have uneven surface characteristics due to gassing and the fact that the molding operation produces substantial amounts of formaldehyde gas, which constitutes an industrial hazard. In order to ameliorate this defect and reduce the degradation to a desirable level, chemical stabilizers are added to oxymethylene polymers.

It has been surprisingly and unexpectedly discovered that a molding composition comprised of an oxymethylene polymer having at least about 60 percent of recurring oxymethylene units can be provided which includes a filler from which shaped articles can be produced which exhibit desirable mechanical properties. The composition can also be melt processed while avoiding the problems generally associated with prior art compositions. Specifically, it has been found that the presence of an isocyanate compound (preferably blocked) together with an isocyanate catalyst in the molding composition (1) reduces the tendency of the filler to migrate to the surface of the composition; (2) serves to inhibit the evolution of free cyano radicals during the melt processing of the composition (in the case of the blocked isocyanate); (3) serves to enhance the mechanical properties of the article produced therefrom; and (4) reduces the need for the presence of major amounts of fibrous reinforcing agents in the composition.

The isocyanate compound which is employed in the molding composition of the present invention may be either totally blocked or unblocked, or partially blocked, although it is preferable for the isocyanate to be at least partially blocked to reduce the tendency for cyano radicals to evolve during the processing sequence.

When isocyanate compounds containing two or more isocyanate groups are used, they may be either aromatic or aliphatic in nature. Suitable isocyanates include toluene-2,4-diisocyanate, p-phenylene diisocyanate and 4,4'-diphenyl methanediisocyanate. Alphatic diisocyanates, such as hexamethylene diisocyanate, may also be used. Triisocyanates, such as 4,4'-triphenyl methane triisocyanate and the reaction product of trimethylolpropane and 2,4-toluene diisocyanate in a 1:3 mole ratio, are also suitable.

Other suitable isocyanates include 2,6-toluene diisocyanate; 1,6-toluene diisocyanate; diphenyl methane 4,4'-diisocyanate; 3,3'-dimethyl diphenyl methane 4,4'-diisocyanate; 3,3'-dimethyl-4,4'-diphenylene diisocyanate; 3,3'-bitoluene-4,4'-diisocyanate; o,m,p-phenylene diisocyanate; methane diisocyanate; chlorophenylene-2,4-diisocyanate; chlorophenylene-2,4-toluene diisocyanate; 3,3'-dichlorodiphenyl-4,4'-diisocyanate; 4-chloro-1,3-phenylene diisocyanate; xylene-1,4-diisocyanate; diphenyl methane-4,4'-diisocyanate; 1,5-naphthalene diisocyanate; 1,4-naphthalene diisocyanate; and the corresponding diisothiocyanates and the isocyanateisothiocyanates; alkylene diisocyanates, such as 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate; 1,2-ethylene diisocyanate; 1,3-propylene diisocyanate; 1,4-tetramethylene diisocyanate; 1,5-pentamethylene diisocyanate; and the corresponding diisocyanates and the isocyanate-isothiocyanates; alkylidene diisocyanates, such as ethylidene diisocyanate and propylidene diisocyanate and the corresponding diisothiocyanates and the isocyanate-isothiocyanates; cycloaliphatic diisocyanates, such as 1,3-cyclohexylene diisocyanates; 1,3-cyclopentylene diisocyanate; 1,4-cyclohexylene diisocyanate, 4,4'-methylenebis-(cyclohexyl isocyanate) and the corresponding diisothiocyanates and isocyanateisothiocyanates; triisocyanates, such as triphenyl methane triisocyanate; 1,3,5-benzene triisocyanate, and the corresponding isothiocyanates and isocyanate-isothiocyanates. Mixtures of any of the aforementioned compounds, such as mixtures of the 2,4 and 2,6 isomers of toluene diisocyanate, may also be desirable in certain applications.

Aromatic diisocyanates, especially derivatives thereof having electronegative substituents, are particularly desirable, due to their increased reactivity. The electronegative substituents, such as, for example, --NO₂, --C=N, --CHO, ##STR4## --COOH, --CONH₂, ##STR5## and --CF₃ --groups, apparently assist the polymerization tendency of the isocyano or isothiocyano groups.

Suitable blocking agents include but are not limited to various phenols such as phenol, cresol, xylenol, and thiophenol; various alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, butanol, 2-ethylhexanol, cyclohexanol, 2-methoxyethanol and 2-ethoxyethanol; and other active hydrogen-containing compounds such as ethyl acetoacetate and diethyl malonate. Exemplary blocked isocyanates include aliphatic polyisocyanates such as a cyclohexylene diisocyanate polyol urethane which can be blocked with an aliphatic alcohol such as methanol or an aromatic hydroxyl-containing compound such as phenol or other compound which contains active hydrogen capable of reversible reaction with the isocyanate such as caprolactam; an aliphatic isocyanate such as cyclohexylene diisocyanate which can be blocked as noted above; and an aromatic polyisocyanate such as a toluene diisocyanate polyol urethane or an aromatic isocyanate such as toluene diisocyanate which can be blocked as noted above. Blocked isocyanates and their method of preparation are well-known and will not be discussed in greater detail herein.

While the amount of isocyanate incorporated into the polymer depends to a certain degree upon the specific isocyanate used, a proportion of between about 0.2 and about 2.0 weight percent (based upon the weight of the polymer) produces the very desirable results herein reported.

The isocyanate catalyst which is employed may comprise any of the known catalysts which serve to facilitate (1) the unblocking of the blocked isocyanate (if employed) and/or (2) the coupling reaction between the oxymethylene polymer and the filler at the melt processing conditions employed. Specifically, the catalyst will catalyze the unblocking of the blocked isocyanate (if employed) to permit it to react and bridge the terminal reactive hydroxyl groups in the polymer and the reactive groups in the filler. Such catalysts include but are not limited to the organic salts of alkali metals, lead, iron, tin, cobalt, vanadium, titanium; trialkylenediamines; N-alkylethyleneimines; and the like, the following being typical: sodium o-phenylphenate; sodium trichlorophenate; sodium tetramethoxyborate; sodium tetrachlorophenate; sodium methylcarbonate; sodium pentachlorophenate; lead linoresinate; lead naphthenate; lead oleate; lead 2-ethylhexonate; lead resinate; ferric 2-ethylhexoate; ferric chloride; ferric acetylacetonate; dibutyltin sulfide; dibutyltin acetylacetonate; dibutyltin dibutoxide; dibutyltin maleate; dibutyltin di-o-phenylphenate; dibutyltin dilaurate; dibutyltin diacetate; dibutyltin di-2-ethylhexoate; stannous oleate; stannous 2-ethylhexoate; stannous chloride; butyltin trichloride; tributyltin oxide; tributyltin o-phenylphenate; tributyltin cyanate; cobalt 2-ethylhexoate; cobalt naphthenate; cobalt linoresinate; cobalt benzoate; cobalt acetylacetonate; vanadium acetylacetonate; vanadyl acetylacetonate; tetraisopropyl titanate; dibutyltitanium dichloride; methoxytitanium trichloride; butoxytitanium trichloride; tetrabutyl titanate; tetra-2-ethylhexyl titanate; titanium acetylacetonate; triethylenediamine; n-ethylenimine; tetramethylguanidine; 1-methyl-4-(dimethylaminoethyl) piperazine; N,N,N',N'-tetramethyl-1,3-butylenediamine; N-ethylmorpholine; triethylamine; copper acetylacetonate; copper naphthenate; manganous acetylacetonate; manganous linoresinate; manganous 2-ethylhexoate; cadmium nitrate; cadmium laurate; cadmium alkyl aryl phosphite complex; zinc acetylacetonate; zinc naphthenate; thorium acetylacetonate; thorium nitrate; nickel acetylacetonate; nickelocene; chromium acetylacetonate; uranyl nitrate; dimenthylsilicon-di-2-ethylhexoate; magnesium acetylacetone; aluminum acetylacetonate; zirconium acetylacetonate; beryllium acetylacetonate; tributylphosphine; diphenylmercury; n-alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium saccharinates wherein said alkyl is C₁₂ -C₁₈ and mixtures thereof and the like. Further reference may be made to Industrial and Engineering Chemistry, Product Research and Development, Vol. 1, No. 4, December 1962, pages 261-264 for a further discussion of isocyanate-active catalysts.

The catalyst may be employed in varying amounts ranging from about 0.15 to 2.5 percent by weight, based on the weight of the isocyanate compound. Preferably, the catalyst is employed in an amount ranging from about 0.2 to 2.0 percent by weight, based on the weight of the isocyanate compound.

The filler which is employed in the composition of the present invention is generally present in an amount ranging from about 5 to 40 percent by weight, based on the weight of the composition. Preferably, the filler is present in an amount ranging from about 10 to 25 percent by weight. Suitable filler materials are non-reinforcing in nature and may be particulate or fibrous in configuration. Exemplary fillers include but are not limited to calcium silicate, silica, clays, talc, mica, graphite, wollastonite, alumina trihydrate, barium ferrite, etc.

The composition of the present invention may also include, in addition to the filler, fibrous reinforcement in the form of glass fibers. Such fibers may be employed in an amount ranging from about 0 to 40 percent by weight, preferably in an amount ranging from about 10 to 25 percent by weight, based on the weight of the composition.

The oxymethylene polymers of the present invention have many uses since they possess rheological properties which are suitable for commercial melt processing processes such as molding or forming operations, e.g., injection molding, compression molding, blow molding, rotational casting, etc., including maintenance of structural integrity over varied molding temperature ranges (e.g., absence of voids, thermal stability, etc.)

As indicated hereinabove, the oxymethylene polymers of the present invention preferably comprises oxymethylene (--CH₂ O--) units (usually at least 85 mole percent) interspersed with up to about 15 mole percent of (--OR--) units, wherein R is a divalent radical containing at least two carbon atoms directly linked to each other and positioned in the chain between the two valences, with any substituent in the R radical being inert. Suitable such copolymers may have a number average molecular weight of from about 1000 up to about 80,000 or higher, with inherent viscosities ranging from about 0.2 to about 1.5 or higher. Dependent upon the type and extent of property modification sought, the low molecular weight species (e.g., 1000 to 10,000), the high molecular weight species (e.g., 30,000 to 80,000) or any mixture thereof may be employed. The preferred copolymers are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,027,352 of Walling et al, incorporated herein by reference.

Moldable oxymethylene polymers having branched chains (said chains comprising a plurality of branches of successively recurring oxymethylene units) may also be employed to advantage in the practice of the present invention, and may be preferred for certain applications. Such polymers may be prepared by copolymerizing trioxane with a small amount of a chain branching agent, the small amount being sufficient to link some primary oxymethylene chains to provide a branched structure but insufficient to make the polymer intractable. Primary chains are linear chains comprising successively recurring oxymethylene units and are the chains which would be produced if the chain branching agent were omitted from the system. The amount of chain branching agent used is generally not more than that required to provide one link to another chain for each primary chain in the system.

Suitable chain branching agents, depending on the particular circumstances involved, include those having at least two functional oxygen groups including (1) cyclic ethers having at least two cyclic ether rings, such as 2,2-(trimethylene)bis-1,3-dioxolane, and particularly those compounds having (a) at least two epoxy rings, such as polyepoxides, including diepoxides, triepoxides, etc., (b) at least two formal rings, such as pentaerythritol diformal, and (c) at least one epoxy ring and at least one formal ring, such as monocrotylidene trimethyloethane monoepoxide; and (2) compounds having at least two oxo groups, such as dialdehydes and diketones, such as glutaraldehyde, terephthaldehyde and acrolein dimer.

Suitable polyepoxides include those which may be prepared by the epoxidation of compounds having two or more olefinic linkages. Diepoxides of diolefins are usually used and the epoxidized olefinic bonds may be of aliphatic or cycloaliphatic structures. Particular diepoxides which may be used include butadiene dioxide, vinyl cyclohexene dioxide (1-epoxyethyl-3,4-epoxycyclohexane), limonene dioxide, resorcinol diglycidyl ether, butane diol diglycidyl ether, bis-epoxydicyclopentyl ether of ethylene glycol, dicyclopentadiene dioxide and dicrotilidene pentaerythritol diepoxide. Suitable triepoxides include triglycidyl trimethylpropane prepared by reacting the triallyl ether of trimethylolpropane in a solvent with peracetic acid at a temperature of 0° to 75° C. Suitable polyepoxides include a polyepoxy glyceryl ester containing an average of 5.5 epoxy groups per molecule.

The chain branching agents are usually copolymerized with the trioxane in proportions from about 0.01 to about 7 weight percent, preferably less than about 1 percent by weight, and most preferably from about 0.05 to about 0.80 percent by weight of the chain branching agent based on the weight of trioxane.

The most preferred polymers are terpolymers of trioxane, a chain branching agent as described above, and a bi-functional compound. Preferred bifunctional compounds include (1) those having at least two functional groups, (2) those having at least one unsaturated bond, (3) at least one openable ring structure and (4) combinations of to or more of (1), (2) and (3). Specific bifunctional materials include those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,027,352 and the Kern et al article. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the bifunctional compounds provide --OR--units interspersed among the oxymethylene groups wherein R is a divalent radical containing at least two carbon atoms directly linked to each other and positioned in the chain between the two valences, with any substituents, e.g., hydrocarbons, halohydrocarbons, being inert, e.g., with respect to formaldehylde under the conditions of polymerization.

Preferred terpolymers have chains containing (1) oxymethylene groups interspersed with (2) oxyalkylene groups with adjacent carbon atoms derived from the bifunctional compounds (preferably cyclic ethers having adjacent carbon atoms) and (3) oxyalkylene groups having carbon atoms linked to other chains, the last named groups being derived from the chain branching agents.

Particularly preferred terpolymers are those wherein the oxyalkylene groups with adjacent carbon atoms are cyclic ethers containing oxyethylene groups, such as ethylene oxide and 1,3-dioxolane.

Other specific cyclic ethers having adjacent carbon atoms which may be used are 1,3,5-trioxepane, 1,3-dioxane, trimethylene oxide, pentamethylene oxide, 1,2-propylene oxide, 1,2-butylene oxide, neopentyl formal, tetrahydrofurane and butadiene monoxide. Because of the fact that the inclusion of the chain branching agent produces polymers of lower melt index, terpolymers containing relatively high proportions of such cyclic ethers with adjacent carbon atoms, e.g., about 10 weight percent, are substantially improved over comparable copolymers containing no chain branching agent.

In the preferred terpolymers there is generally from about 75 to about 99.5 percent by weight of recurring oxymethylene units, from about 0.5 to about 25 percent by weight of recurring units derived from the bifunctional compound (such as a cyclic ether with adjacent carbon atoms) and from about 0.01 to about 7 weight percent of units derived from the chain branching agent. The most preferred terpolymers have from about 96.1 to 97.9 percent by weight of oxymethylene units and less than about 1 percent by weight, preferably between about 0.05 to 0.08 percent by weight, of units from the chain branching agent.

While the isocyanate compound, filler and catalyst (and optionally reinforcing fiber) may be incorporated in a number of ways into the oxymethylene polymer, excellent results are achieved by merely melting the oxymethylene polymer at, e.g., 180° C. and gradually milling in the filler, isocyanate compound and catalyst. The sequence of addition is not critical. According to one embodiment, the oxymethylene polymer is milled on a two-roll mill while in the melt stage the filler is milled in for three minutes with the total loading time being about five minutes. Subsequently, a small amount of isocyanate compound and the catalyst are milled in for about three minutes.

Obviously, this sequence may be reversed and the desirable properties achieved as described hereinabove. If desired, the isocyanate and catalyst components may be incorporated into an oxymethylene polymer which has been prefilled with a filler and which is subjected to elevated temperatures to convert it to plastic form, and while in said plastic form is shaped in an operation which includes passage through a constricted orifice. The isocyanate readily blends with the prefilled polymer during the shaping step. According to a still further embodiment, the oxymethylene polymer may be charged in solid particulate state (e.g., as flakes or pellets) together with a suitable isocyanate to a reaction zone maintained at an elevated temperature in a range sufficient to maintain the polymer in melt state during the reaction. Generally, temperatures between about 100° C. and about 275° C. are employed, with the range of about 150° C. to about 250° C. being preferred. In view of the increased viscosity of the preferred oxymethylene terpolymers, slightly higher temperatures are employed. While atmospheric pressures are preferable for ease of operation, lower and higher pressures, e.g., 0 to 1000 p.s.i., are also suitable. While not essential to the reaction, a blanket of inert gas, such as nitrogen, is customarily employed.

As suggested hereinabove, the process of the present invention may be conducted in any suitable blending apparatus. For example, incorporation of the additives into the polyoxymethylene polymer may be carried out in a roll mill apparatus having oppositely rotating hollow cylindrical rolls of, e.g., 12-inch diameter, driven at a speed in the range of 20 to 40 revolutions per minute, and steam heated to a temperature in the range of 165° C. to about 195° C. The cylindrical rolls have a variable clearance ranging down to a few thousandths of an inch, which clearance is varied during the course of the milling.

The invention is additionally illustrated in connection with the following Examples which are to be considered as illustrative of the present invention. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific details of the Examples.

EXAMPLE 1

Oxymethylene molding compositions were prepared comprised of 7 parts by weight of an oxymethylene molding resin marketed by Celanese Corporation under the tradename Celcon comprised of about 2 percent oxyethylene units and about 98 percent oxymethylene units; 3 parts by weight of a blocked isocyanate comprised of diphenylmethane diisocyanate; dibutyl tin dilaurate and n-alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium saccharinate isocyanate-active catalysts in amounts of about 0.3 and 1.5 percent by weight, respectively, based on the weight of the isocyanate, and a filler and glass fiber in varying amounts. The alkyl saccharinate catalyst component employed was comprised of about 40 percent by weight of dodecane (C₁₂) dimethyl benzyl ammonium saccharinate, about 50 percent by weight of tetradecane (C₁₄) dimethyl benzyl ammonium saccharinate, and about 10 percent by weight of hexadecane (C₁₆) dimethyl ammonium saccharinate and is available from the Onyx Chemical Company under the tradename Onyxide 3300.

The fillers employed included (1) untreated wollastonite marketed by Nyco, Inc., (2) wollastonite surface treated with either a titanate or silane-coupling agent marketed by Nyco, Inc. under the tradename Wollastakup KR38 and Wollastakup S3076, respectively, (3) untreated processed mineral filler and processed mineral filler treated with an aminosilane marketed by Jim Walters Resources, Inc. under the tradename PMF, and (4) mica marketed by Martin Marietta under the tradename Suzorite. The glass fibers employed were approximately 1/4 inch in length and are marketed by OCF Corporation under the tradename Fiberglass 409.

The molding composition was found by extrusion compounding the oxymethylene polymer at about 200° C. in a single screw extruder together with the isocyanate, catalyst, filler and fibers. The fillers and fibers were employed in various weight percentages as noted. The extruded mixture was pelletized and injection molded to form tensile and flexural bars which were tested according to ASTM D638 and ASTM D790 to determine their mechanical properties. The results of the tests are set forth in Tables I-IV below:

                                      TABLE I                                      __________________________________________________________________________     Mechanical Properties of Molded Articles                                       (Wollastonite and Glass Fiber-Filled)                                          Filler/    Flexural                                                                             Flexural                                                                            Izod       Elonga-                                       Glass Strength                                                                            Strength                                                                             Modulus                                                                             Inpart                                                                               Warpage                                                                             tion                                          (wt/wt)                                                                              (psi)                                                                               (psi) (Mpsi)                                                                              (ft-lb/in)                                                                           (inch)                                                                              (%)                                           __________________________________________________________________________     30:10 12,000                                                                              18,900                                                                               1.04 0.90  0.025                                                                               2.25                                          20:20 14,150                                                                              21,250                                                                               1.14 0.80  0.100                                                                               2.25                                          10:30 16,000                                                                              24,000                                                                               1.25 1.00  0.140                                                                               1.90                                          __________________________________________________________________________

                                      TABLE II                                     __________________________________________________________________________     Mechanical Properties of Molded Articles                                       (Titanate-Coated Wollastonite and Glass Fiber-Filled)                          Filler/                                                                              Tensile                                                                             Flexural                                                                             Flexural                                                                            Izod       Elonga-                                       Glass Strength                                                                            Strength                                                                             Modulus                                                                             Impact                                                                               Warpage                                                                             tion                                          (wt/wt)                                                                              (psi)                                                                               (psi) (Mpsi)                                                                              (ft-lb/in)                                                                           (inch)                                                                              (%)                                           __________________________________________________________________________     30:10 11,500                                                                              18,700                                                                               0.99 0.75  0.025                                                                               2.5                                           20:20 13,800                                                                              18,600                                                                               1.02 0.82  0.090                                                                               2.0                                           10:30 16,150                                                                              24,280                                                                               1.30 1.00  0.130                                                                               2.0                                           __________________________________________________________________________

                                      TABLE III                                    __________________________________________________________________________     Mechanical Properties of Molded Articles                                       (Silane-Coated Wollastonite and Glass Fiber-Filled)                            Filler/                                                                              Tensile                                                                             Flexural                                                                             Flexural                                                                            Izod       Elonga-                                       Glass Strength                                                                            Strength                                                                             Modulus                                                                             Impact                                                                               Warpage                                                                             ation                                         (wt/wt)                                                                              (psi)                                                                               (psi) (Mpsi)                                                                              (ft-lb/in)                                                                           (inch)                                                                              (%)                                           __________________________________________________________________________     30:30 11,900                                                                              20,500                                                                               1.08 0.82  0.025                                                                               2.9                                           20:20 14,500                                                                              23,000                                                                               1.16 0.95  0.095                                                                               2.0                                           10:30 16,500                                                                              25,000                                                                               1.32 1.13  0.135                                                                               1.5                                           __________________________________________________________________________

                                      TABLE IV                                     __________________________________________________________________________     Mechanical Properties of Molded Articles                                       (PMF and Glass Fiber-Filled)                                                   Filler/                                                                              Tensile                                                                             Flexural                                                                             Flexural                                                                            Izod       Elonga-                                       Glass Strength                                                                            Strength                                                                             Modulus                                                                             Impact                                                                               Warpage                                                                             tion                                          (wt/wt)                                                                              (psi)                                                                               (psi) (Mpsi)                                                                              (ft-lb/in)                                                                           (inch)                                                                              (%)                                           __________________________________________________________________________     30:10 12,200                                                                              19,700                                                                               0.97 1.01  0.020                                                                               2.88                                          20:20 15,300                                                                              23,700                                                                               1.14 1.27  0.080                                                                               2.50                                          10:30 17,050                                                                              26,700                                                                               1.36 1.23  0.138                                                                               2.10                                          __________________________________________________________________________

                                      TABLE V                                      __________________________________________________________________________     Mechanical Properties of Molded Articles                                       (Aminosilane-Coated PMF and Glass Fiber-Filled)                                Filler/                                                                              Tensile                                                                             Flexural                                                                             Flexural                                                                            Izod       Elonga-                                       Glass Strength                                                                            Strength                                                                             Modulus                                                                             Impact                                                                               Warpage                                                                             tion                                          (wt/wt)                                                                              (psi)                                                                               (psi) (Mpsi)                                                                              (ft-lb/in)                                                                           (inch)                                                                              (%)                                           __________________________________________________________________________     30:10 13,600                                                                              21,800                                                                               1.03 1.08  0.025                                                                               3.30                                          20:20 16,200                                                                              24,800                                                                               1.23 1.17  0.085                                                                               2.51                                          10:30 18,000                                                                              26,000                                                                               1.30 1.21  0.140                                                                               2.30                                          __________________________________________________________________________

                                      TABLE VI                                     __________________________________________________________________________     Mechanical Properties of Molded Articles                                       (Mica and Glass Fiber-Filled)                                                  Filler/                                                                              Tensile                                                                             Flexural                                                                             Flexural                                                                            Izod       Elonga-                                       Glass Strength                                                                            Strength                                                                             Modulus                                                                             Impact                                                                               Warpage                                                                             tion                                          (wt/wt)                                                                              (psi)                                                                               (psi) (Mpsi)                                                                              (ft-lb/in)                                                                           (inch)                                                                              (%)                                           __________________________________________________________________________     30:10 10,500                                                                              16,750                                                                               1.72 0.73  0.003                                                                               1.40                                          20:20 12,100                                                                              19,000                                                                               1.67 0.78  0.005                                                                               1.40                                          10:30 13,900                                                                              20,900                                                                               1.67 0.90  0.005                                                                               1.38                                          __________________________________________________________________________

The date in Tables I-VI above demonstrates that molded articles comprised of an oxymethylene molding composition which contains a reinforcing fiber, a filler in substantial amounts, an isocyanate and an isocyanate-active catalyst can be provided which possess desirable mechanical properties. Such properties may be obtained with a variety of filler materials. It is thus apparent that the amount of fiber that is employed can be reduced to amounts below those normally employed without a significant overall reduction of mechanical properties. Significantly, the decreased amount of fiber and the increased amount of filler advantageously reduces the tendency of the molded article to warp.

EXAMPLE 2

The procedure of Example 1 was repeated with the exception that no glass reinforcing fiber was employed. The results of the tests are set forth in the Tables VII and VIII below:

                  TABLE VII                                                        ______________________________________                                         Mechanical Properties of Molded Articles                                       (Wollastonite-Filled)                                                                Tensile  Flexural Flexural                                                                              Izod                                            Filler                                                                               Strength Strength Modulus                                                                               Impact Elongation                               (wt %)                                                                               (psi)    (psi)    (Mpsi) (ft-lb/in)                                                                            (%)                                      ______________________________________                                         10    8,250    11,600   0.40   0.72   10.0                                     25    8,400    14,000   0.58   0.61   5.0                                      40    8,200    14,000   0.90   0.62   2.4                                      ______________________________________                                    

                                      TABLE VIII                                   __________________________________________________________________________     Mechanical Properties of Molded Articles                                       (PMF-Filled)                                                                         Tensile                                                                             Flexural                                                                             Flexural                                                                            Izod       Elonga-                                       Filler                                                                               Strength                                                                            Strength                                                                             Modulus                                                                             Impact                                                                               Warpage                                                                             tion                                          (wt %)                                                                               (psi)                                                                               (psi) (Mpsi)                                                                              (ft-lb/in)                                                                           (inch)                                                                              (%)                                           __________________________________________________________________________     10    8,200                                                                               13,000                                                                               0.40 0.80  0.015                                                                               12.0                                          25    8,600                                                                               14,900                                                                               0.56 0.73  0.015                                                                               4.9                                           40    10,000                                                                              17,000                                                                               0.90 0.70  0.070                                                                               3.5                                           __________________________________________________________________________

The data of Tables VII and VIII above demonstrates that even without the presence of the glass fiber as a reinforcing agent the molded articles of the present invention exhibit desirable mechanical properties at various loading amounts due to the presence of the isocyanate compound in the molding composition.

COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE A

The procedure of Example 2 was repeated with the exception that the isocyanate compound and isocyanate-active catalyst were not included in the molding composition. The results of the tests are set forth in the tables IX and X below:

                  TABLE IX                                                         ______________________________________                                         Mechanical Properties of Molded Articles                                       (Wollastonite-Filled)                                                                Tensile  Flexural Flexural                                                                              Izod                                            Filler                                                                               Strength Strength Modulus                                                                               Impact Elongation                               (wt %)                                                                               (psi)    (psi)    (Mpsi) (ft-lb/in)                                                                            (%)                                      ______________________________________                                         10    7,800    11,600   0.40   0.68   14.0                                     25    6,800    12,250   0.55   0.60   6.0                                      40    5,700    11,400   0.80   0.60   3.0                                      ______________________________________                                    

                                      TABLE X                                      __________________________________________________________________________     Mechanical Properties of Molded Articles                                       (PMF-Filled)                                                                         Tensile                                                                             Flexural                                                                             Flexural                                                                            Izod       Elonga-                                       Filler                                                                               Strength                                                                            Strength                                                                             Modulus                                                                             Impact                                                                               Warpage                                                                             tion                                          (wt %)                                                                               (psi)                                                                               (psi) (Mpsi)                                                                              (ft-lb/in)                                                                           (inch)                                                                              (%)                                           __________________________________________________________________________     10    7,000                                                                               11,000                                                                               0.35 0.67  0.012                                                                               10.0                                          25    6,000                                                                               11,400                                                                               0.51 0.67  0.015                                                                               14.0                                          40    5,500                                                                               11,000                                                                               0.76 0.60  0.070                                                                                5.0                                          __________________________________________________________________________

The data of Tables IX and X demonstrates that the overall mechanical properties of the molded articles are reduced due to the absence of the isocyanate compound and the isocyanate-active catalyst in the molding composition in comparison to those of the Example 2 samples.

COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE B

The procedure of Example 1 was repeated with the exception that the molded articles were produced from a composition comprised of the oxymethylene polymer without the filler, fiber, isocyanate compound or isocyanate catalyst. The result of the tests are set forth in the Table XI below:

                  TABLE XI                                                         ______________________________________                                         Mechanical Properties of Molded Articles                                       (Non-Filled)                                                                              Flexural Izod                                                       Tensile Strength                                                                          Modular  Impact   Warpage                                                                               Elongation                                 (psi)      (Mpsi)   (ft-lb/in)                                                                              (inch) (%)                                        ______________________________________                                         8,500      0.37     1.2      0.012  5.0                                        ______________________________________                                    

The data of Table XI demonstrates that the mechanical properties of a molded article produced from the oxymethylene polymer alone are inferior to those exhibited by the molded articles produced according to the present invention as set forth in Examples 1 and 2.

The principles, preferred embodiments and modes of operation of the present invention have been described in the foregoing specification. The invention which is intended to be protected herein, however, is not to be construed as limited to the particular forms disclosed, since these are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Variations and changes may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. 

We claim:
 1. A molding composition comprised of an oxymethylene polymer having at least 60 percent of recurring oxymethylene units, a blocked or unblocked isocyanate compound in an amount ranging from about 0.2 to 2.0 percent by weight based on the weight of the polymer, a non-reinforcing, particulate filler and an isocyanate-active catalyst.
 2. The composition of claim 1 wherein said isocyanate is a diisocyanate.
 3. The composition of claim 1 wherein said catalyst comprises dibutyl tin dilaurate and at least one n-alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium saccharinate wherein said alkyl is selected from the group consisting of C₁₂ -C₁₈ and mixtures thereof.
 4. The composition of claim 1 wherein said catalyst is present in an amount ranging from about 0.15 to 2.5 percent by weight, based on the weight of the isocyanate.
 5. The composition of claim 1 wherein said filler is present in an amount ranging from about 5 to 40 percent by weight, based on the weight of the composition.
 6. The composition of claim 1 wherein said oxymethylene copolymer comprises from about 85 to about 99.6 weight percent of recurring --OCH₂ --groups interspersed with groups of the formula: ##STR6## wherein each R₁ and R₂ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, lower alkyl and halogen-substituted lower alkyl radicals, each R₃ is selected from the group consisting of methylene, oxymethylene, lower alkyl and haloalkyl-substituted methylene, and lower alkyl and haloalkyl-substituted oxymethylene radicals and n is an integer from 0 to 3, inclusive.
 7. The composition of claim 1 wherein said alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium saccharinate comprises an admixture of dodecane dimethyl benzyl ammonium saccharinate, tetradecane dimethyl benzyl ammonium saccharinate and hexadecane dimethyl benzyl ammonium saccharinate.
 8. The composition of claim 7 wherein said dodecane dimethyl benzyl ammonium saccharinate, tetradecane dimethyl benzyl ammonium saccharinate and hexadecane dimethyl benzyl ammonium saccharinate are present in amounts of about 40, 50 and 10 percent by weight, respectively, based on the total weight of the three saccharinates.
 9. The molding composition of claim 1 wherein said isocyanate comprises a blocked isocyanate.
 10. The molding composition of claim 1 wherein said blocked isocyanate is blocked with an aromatic compound.
 11. The molding composition of claim 1 wherein said blocked isocyanate is blocked with a aliphatic compound.
 12. The molding composition of claim 11 wherein said isocyanate is blocked with an alcohol.
 13. The molding composition of claim 1 wherein said isocyanate is blocked with a phenol.
 14. The molding composition of claim 1 further comprising a reinforcing fiber.
 15. The molding composition of claim 14 wherein said fiber comprises glass fibers.
 16. The molding composition of claim 14 wherein said fiber is present in an amount ranging from about 0 to 40 percent by weight, based on the weight of the composition.
 17. The molding composition of claim 1 wherein said filler is selected from the group consisting of wollastonite, mica and processed mineral filler.
 18. A shaped article comprised of the composition of claim
 1. 19. The article of claim 18 comprising an extruded article.
 20. The article of claim 18 comprising a molded article. 